School, church work together on project

December 13, 2013

WARREN - Students from Lincoln K-8 lent a helping hand as they worked with volunteers at Christ Episcopal Church in making more than 50 Christmas wreaths to be used as fundraiser at the school for Relay for Life.

Judy Babik, an art teacher at the school, said when the students went to gym, music or art classes, they were walked to the church where they spent time working on the wreaths.

Babik said each grade level does part of assembling the wreaths which are put together and then decorated.

''This is a K-8 experience where the church has opened its doors to us to make the wreaths here,'' she said.

Church members have donated all the ornaments and decorations for the wreaths.

The wreaths are being displayed in the school's cafetorium where Chinese auction tickets will be sold for a raffle on Tuesday during a band concert at the school. Babik said the winning numbers will be drawn Wednesday for pickup on Dec. 19, which is Polar Express Day for the last day of school before winter break.

Proceeds from the raffle will benefit Relay For Life.

Babik said each student was given the opportunity to help in some way in the process. Jobs included sorting materials and decorations, wreath fluffing, designing, wiring and assembling.

The music teachers got the children into the holiday spirit by singing Christmas songs.

Ten tables were set up in the hallway with a different wreath on each table. Babik said while the students had fun they also learned it was the season of giving.

Pastor Jeff Baker of the church said there were hundreds of children from the school in grades kindergarten to eighth who came to the church throughout the day to each do a part of the wreath.

''We have tried to build a relationship with the school and have sort of adopted them as a our next--store neighbors. We are all working together,'' Baker said.

Judit Angel, a sixth grader, said she especially likes the activity because she gets to work with the little kids.

''I have a brother and sister so this felt like I was helping them with an art project,'' she said.

Mark Massucci, a third grader, said he liked working with his friends, making the wreath and getting to wrap and decorate it.

''It was exciting to get to come here,'' he said.

Grant Evans, sixth grader, said he was glad to be part of the event and to get to work with his little brother.

''Everyone got to make a wreath, which was fun,'' he said.

Also getting decorated was Baker's dog, Sammi, who had a wreath placed around her collar.